The power enables officers and PCSOs to break up groups of two or more people who they believe could cause trouble and order them to leave the designated area for 24 hours. Youths under the age of 16 can also be taken home by officers as part of the order.

Officers applied for the dispersal order following an increase of calls relating to anti-social behaviour in the town last weekend (Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24). This included reports of youths acting anti-socially, throwing fireworks and causing criminal damage in the area.

The Safer Neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out extra patrols in Buxton and Fairfield over the weekend to deter this type of behaviour.

Sergeant Denis Murphy from the Buxton and Fairfield Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Last weekend we received calls from residents about anti-social behaviour in their community, including the irresponsible use of fireworks by young people, combined with rowdy and disorderly acts. This is not acceptable.

“We have no desire to demonise our young people and we want to include them in the solutions to anti-social behaviour in their communities. However, this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and cannot go unchallenged.”

Sergeant Murphy continued: “Not only is throwing fireworks a criminal offence, it causes enormous distress to the isolated and vulnerable and those keeping pets. It is also incredibly dangerous to the offender and passers-by.

“I would urge anyone who is affected by this issue to contact us with full particulars of any offending and those involved. We intend to work alongside our partners to ensure that prompt and decisive action is taken against those responsible.”

Previously, dispersal orders were targeted at alcohol-related crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour. Now, the new Section 34 Dispersal Power can be used to stop any antisocial behaviour or crime – not just that linked to alcohol.

Children aged 16 or under can be removed to their home address or a place of safety, and anyone moved on under the powers can be prohibited from going back there for a certain period of time.

Anyone who refuses to comply with an order to leave will be committing and offence and could be arrested.